Dogs Drown in Unfenced Wastewater Ponds Near Lodge Grass

Animal rescue group warns of safety hazard after six dogs die in construction site lagoons.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph depicting a blurred, out-of-focus rural landscape with a small body of water in the foreground, conveying a sense of melancholy and the fragility of life.A tragic loss of life highlights the urgent need for proper safety measures around hazardous construction sites in rural communities.Lodge Grass Today

An animal rescue group based in Hardin, Montana is raising urgent concerns after six dogs drowned in an unfenced wastewater treatment lagoon at a construction site outside Lodge Grass. The volunteers say the hazardous, unprotected ponds pose a risk not only to animals but to people in the surrounding residential areas.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the need for proper safety measures and fencing around construction sites with dangerous water features. The rescue group says the deaths of these well-known 'community dogs' are preventable and that the lack of adequate safeguards could lead to further loss of life, both animal and human.

The details

Volunteers with Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue discovered the six dead dogs in the wastewater lagoons on Thursday after a resident reported several missing animals near the construction site. The two lined ponds, estimated to be 15 feet deep, are part of an ongoing project for the second phase of wastewater treatment facility improvements in Lodge Grass. While a chain-link fence is installed along the front of the site, the sides remain open and accessible.

  • On Thursday, the rescue group discovered the six dead dogs in the wastewater lagoons.
  • The construction project for the wastewater treatment facility is ongoing.

The players

Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue

An animal rescue group based in Hardin, Montana that regularly takes in and cares for dogs from Lodge Grass and the surrounding area.

Chris Schneider

A volunteer who helps run Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue.

Kristin Sclavi

A volunteer who helps run Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue.

Quincy Dabney

The mayor of Lodge Grass, Montana.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We found out that they had drowned in these lined ponds, which is very concerning. Not only for the animals, but for the community. It's a big safety issue.”

— Chris Schneider, Volunteer, Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue

“We just try and help the community as much as possible, as well as taking in those cries for help that don't have anybody else for them.”

— Kristin Sclavi, Volunteer, Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue

“It's not just the animals, it's the people. There's a serious concern for loss of life here.”

— Kristin Sclavi, Volunteer, Hamster Boy and Tiger Lilly Rescue

What’s next

Lodge Grass Mayor Quincy Dabney stated that a fence is expected to be installed around the wastewater lagoons next week, but the rescue group worries the response comes too late and is urging stronger adherence to safety measures moving forward.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for proper fencing and safety protocols around construction sites with hazardous water features. The lack of adequate safeguards not only endangered local animals, but also posed a serious risk to the surrounding community. Going forward, stricter enforcement of safety regulations could help prevent future loss of life.